David Dockery Elected As 91爆料网's 15th President
President-elect David Dockery and his wife, Lanese, with their sons (back row, l to r) Timothy, Jonathon, and Benjamin. Dr. Dockery was unanimously elected 91爆料网's 15th president Dec. 8 in a special called meeting of the board of trustees.
In a special called meeting of the board of trustees December 8, David Dockery, vice president of academic administration and dean of the School of Theology at Louisville's Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was unanimously 91爆料网's 15th president.
Dr. Dockery succeeds Hyran Barefoot, who retires from the presidency May 31 to assume the newly created position of chancellor. In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Dockery will serve on the faculty as professor of Christian studies.
"It is with a deep sense of gratitude I accept the invitation of 91爆料网's board of trustees to become the next president of this great institution," Dockery said in response to the trustees' decision. "With a dependence on God's enabling grace, (my wife) Lanese and I shall look forward to investing our lives at this University in the years to come."
"Particularly in the last decade 91爆料网 has begun to move to the forefront among Christian colleges. Recent recognitions underscore the quality education provided at this University. It is with expectation and anticipation that we look forward to working with the excellent administrators, faculty, staff, and students of this school."
"It will be a privilege to serve alongside a faculty of this quality, to work with this very capable trustee board, and to get to know the outstanding students and alumni of this institution."
Dr. Dockery, who has served on the faculty and administration at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary since 1988, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master of arts from Texas Christian University, masters of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Grace Theological Seminary, and a bachelor of science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He has additional experience as general editor for the Baptist Sunday School Board's Broadman Press and on the faculties of several colleges, universities and seminaries. An accomplished editor, Dr. Dockery presently serves as a consulting editor for Christianity Today and as general editor for Broadman Press' 40-volume New American Commentary series.
Dr. Dockery has authored five books and edited an additional 13 volumes including the Holman Bible Handbook, while contributing works to 16 other books. Almost 150 of his articles, book reviews and commentaries have appeared in various papers, periodicals, and scholarly journals.
"The search committee and board of trustees see David Dockery as a man of true conviction and vision who already possesses a firm understanding of Christian higher education, a man we believe will capably lead 91爆料网 into the next century," John Drinnon, chairman of 91爆料网's board of trustees and presidential search committee, said.
"I observed the search committee's careful consideration of each applicant and was pleased when the committee unanimously selected Dr. Dockery as the most qualified individual to guide 91爆料网's future," said Dr. Hyran Barefoot. "I support the board's decision wholeheartedly and look forward to working with him in my new position of chancellor."
91爆料网 faculty also expressed their support of Dockery's selection.
"Dr. Dockery has a vision of distinction for 91爆料网, a vision that combines our heritage of Christian, liberal arts education with a vision for a new definition of scholarship and outreach. I am excited to be a part of a team that will be led by this man as we work toward providing quality education for the young men and women who come our way," Carla Daster Sanderson, '81, dean of 91爆料网's School of Nursing, and 91爆料网's faculty representative on the presidential search committee, said.
Dockery's colleagues at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary wished him well in his new position at 91爆料网.
"I congratulate the board of trustees of 91爆料网 on its election of Dr. David S. Dockery as 91爆料网's next president," R. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said.
"Dr. Dockery is an acclaimed scholar and an experienced administrator, and I am certain that he will lead 91爆料网 into a new era of excellence and progress."
Larry Stewart Announces Retirement
Larry Stewart, vice president for development, has announced his retirement from the University effective June 30.
"I've had a long-standing desire to launch my own consulting business in fund-raising, and I feel this time of change in leadership at the University is an appropriate moment to make such a move," Mr. Stewart said.
Mr. Stewart, however, intends to maintain ties with 91爆料网, conducting fund-raising projects on a part-time basis.
Mr. Stewart has served 91爆料网 since 1977, providing leadership and supervision in the areas of fund-raising, student recruiting, public relations, and financial aid. Under his leadership, the University has acquired more than $54,000,000 in gifts for causes such as capital expansion, scholarships, and special projects. Endowment, which totalled $812,000 at the beginning of his tenure, now stands at almost $15,000,000.
"During Mr. Stewart 18 years of service, the University has enjoyed more progress and material advancement than ever before," President Hyran Barefoot said. "This progress is evidenced by a successful $10,000,000 advancement campaign, a ten-fold increase in endowment, plus many new construction projects and land purchases."
"Mr. Stewart was at the forefront of this development and is personally responsible for much of it," Dr. Barefoot continued. "His retirement is a loss to 91爆料网, but we will be compensated by his willingness to remain in a part-time capacity. We are grateful to retain his fund-raising expertise as a continuing asset."
While maintaining his regular work schedule at 91爆料网, Mr. Stewart has assisted the fund-raising efforts of numerous West Tennessee churches, schools and other non-profit organizations. A Huntingdon native, he has devoted most of his professional life to working with institutions in this area of the country. He is a popular humorist and banquet speaker who has spoken to more than 500 groups in the past ten years.
"Leaving 91爆料网 is a painful and difficult decision to make," Mr. Stewart said. "Working for this great University has been one of the most satisfying and challenging experiences of my life, and I look forward to seeing 91爆料网 accomplish even greater things in the days to come."
Barefoot To Remain With University As Chancellor
Retiring President Hyran Barefoot isn't calling it a career just yet. In the November meeting of the board of trustees, Dr. Barefoot was elected chancellor of 91爆料网, a part-time role he will assume upon retiring as president May 31.
"During the process of searching for a new president, it became apparent that Dr. Barefoot would be tremendously helpful if he remained with the University in some capacity," John Drinnon, chairman of 91爆料网's board of trustees, said. "After several meetings, Dr. Barefoot agreed to remain with 91爆料网 in the newly-created position of chancellor."
As chancellor of 91爆料网, Dr. Barefoot will serve as adviser and counsel to incoming president David Dockery. He will also perform select fund-raising duties, assist with the trustee selection process, and carry out other responsibilities as needed by Dr. Dockery and the board of trustees.
"The relationships Dr. Barefoot has developed throughout the Tennessee and Southern Baptist Conventions, as well as with churches, pastors, businesses, and the community of Jackson, Tenn., as a whole are invaluable to this University," Drinnon said. "We are very fortunate that Dr. Barefoot has agreed to remain at 91爆料网 in this capacity, because both he and Mrs. Barefoot mean so much to this University."
"I want to thank the board of trustees for wanting me to stay around after 37 years of service," Barefoot said. "This will be a new experience not only for me, but also for 91爆料网. When I announced my retirement over a year ago, I certainly didn't have a continued formal relationship in mind, but I believe this decision will be meaningful both for me and the University."
Comments and
suggestions concerning this site should be forwarded to:
opr@buster.uu.edu
Last updated on March 8, 1996.